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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: red_magic on Fri, 08 February 2013, 22:26:06

Title: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: red_magic on Fri, 08 February 2013, 22:26:06
As the title, says I am going to be buying my first mechanical keyboard quite soon. I am still not 100% sure on what to get though, so I thought I would get some input from you guys. My choices so far are as follows:


I am leaning towards the Filco but I am still not sure. Any help with this is appreciated, thanks.

Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 08 February 2013, 22:29:19
If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will...............  :D :D
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: jabar on Fri, 08 February 2013, 22:36:33
Have you tried MX switches before? Are you sold on Browns? What are you planning on using the keyboard for (typing, gaming)?

I'd recommend either the Filco or Ducky, if you want backlighting. WASD is coming out with V2 keyboards which we'll have to see how those are (and at what cost). I do like the Leopold FC700R, but that isn't available stateside yet.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: red_magic on Fri, 08 February 2013, 22:49:30
I have only tried the browns before. I liked them a lot. I was unfortunately unable to find a keyboard with blue switches at my local electronics store so browns are the only switches I have tried. I will be using the board for general computing, programming, gaming, and occasional writing.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Halverson on Fri, 08 February 2013, 22:55:33
Browns are great! And if you want non-backlit, the filco is solid and great. I would say Ducky if you decide you'd like some light up action :)
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: lazerpointer on Fri, 08 February 2013, 23:34:34
Good choice of switch. But... Nobody mentions QFR? Or other CM Storm boards? Better choice than any of those boards IMO and cheaper I believe. Don't go with Leopold / Ducky IMO because of the Cherry-style stabilizers.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 08 February 2013, 23:43:08
As above - Ducky if you want backlighting, Filco if not.

Also consider that WASD is developing a V2 keyboard - if you want to explore that option it would be well worth waiting until the V2 is out.

Plus the Leopold, although a fine keyboard, does have an unusual spacebar, and you might find it slightly more difficult to find a replacement spacebar.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: red_magic on Sat, 09 February 2013, 00:29:30
Alright, first of all, I decided to go with the Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 TKL w/Browns. Unfortunately I can't seem to find it anywhere other then Amazon and that is sold for over $200 which is dumb. I posted a thread in the KeyboardCo board asking when Bruce would get new stock in his Amazon store, but in the time being it would be great if you guys could point to a place where I could buy it right now. Please note that I am in the US.

-red_magic
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: singaporean123 on Sat, 09 February 2013, 00:51:47
I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Kmynis on Sat, 09 February 2013, 02:44:16
I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER


Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: jabar on Sat, 09 February 2013, 11:01:31
Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.
That's pretty presumptuous of you to call those brands and others "lesser"
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: simingma on Sat, 09 February 2013, 13:41:06
Are you sure you only want MX Browns? I suggest buying a few of different switches from where you can return like Amazon.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 09 February 2013, 17:34:58
If you are not sure about MX browns, why not get a Quickfire Rapid?  Similar quality, much lower price.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 09 February 2013, 17:36:46
Are you sure you only want MX Browns? I suggest buying a few of different switches from where you can return like Amazon.

f-ing don't do this... ugh... sigh..................  >:D >:D >:D


freaking... people have the nerves to tell me to "not torrent" then they blatantly scam amazon... :D
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Burz on Sat, 09 February 2013, 22:15:38
I just ordered what will be my first New mechanical keyboard: Matias Mini Quiet Pro, a compact version of the Quiet Pro. $130 delivered.

You seem to like tactile switches, so I thought I'd mention that Matias switches are regarded as some of the best. These keyboards also have 3-port USB2 hubs built in.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: deepthawt on Tue, 19 February 2013, 22:13:15
I just ordered what will be my first New mechanical keyboard: Matias Mini Quiet Pro, a compact version of the Quiet Pro. $130 delivered.

You seem to like tactile switches, so I thought I'd mention that Matias switches are regarded as some of the best. These keyboards also have 3-port USB2 hubs built in.


let us know when you get it!


I'm waiting my Jan. purchase to ship.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: OnTheBrink on Tue, 19 February 2013, 22:22:45
I thought I loved Browns too. Until I played with Reds.

Although, I play WoW and I like tactile for different classes (one less ability spammy).

So I plan on using Reds for my Rogue and either Greens or Topre for my Priest (healer).

I know you love Browns, but you won't be satisfied until you try them all. And when you do, you will like each switch for different tasks. At least I do and no matter which keyboard I type on (Have blues, browns and Reds) I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time.

I'm definitely not the most knowledgeable here, but let me know if you need any help! :D
Title: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: keymaster on Tue, 19 February 2013, 22:27:44
QFR is definitely a great first board. I love its design more than my Leopold. Blue/brown is still selling for $65 on Amazon. At that price, there is no competition.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 19 February 2013, 23:08:51
I got browns for my first ones and at first I wasn't thrilled. After a couple weeks, I'm loving them and getting used the to subtle touch and sound. Red would have probably been my next choice.

The browns will really grow on you if you let it.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 20 February 2013, 00:15:28
MX Brown was my favourite until I got MX Reds.  I'm currently using dampened ALPS from Matias can't say if I like this better than MX Reds yet.

And I suggest getting Filco, not too big on the cherry stabilizers on Ducky/Leopold.

QuickFire Rapid is good if you want tenkeyless and want to save a few bucks, also if you can wait then QuickFire XT (Full Size) will come out in April.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: lazerpointer on Wed, 20 February 2013, 00:18:55
QuickFire XT (Full Size) will come out in April.

I thought there was already a Quickfire Pro? Must be something else special about the XT
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Demofly on Wed, 20 February 2013, 00:30:09
Are you sure you only want MX Browns? I suggest buying a few of different switches from where you can return like Amazon.

f-ing don't do this... ugh... sigh..................  >:D >:D >:D


freaking... people have the nerves to tell me to "not torrent" then they blatantly scam amazon... :D
How is paying return shipping and restocking fee scamming amazon?
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Mountain Man on Wed, 20 February 2013, 12:15:01
WASD not getting much love in this thread? :(

I have a custom WASD with MX Browns.  It's a fantastic keyboard, and WASD's customer service is outstanding.

I use the board for general typing and gaming, and the MX Browns seem to be perfect for either.  I love this keyboard.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: Mountain Man on Wed, 20 February 2013, 12:20:26
If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will...............  :D :D

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 20 February 2013, 12:34:48
If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will...............  :D :D

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

Yes but the PCB is made more durable in a filco.. it's much less prone to "peeling" from heat if you're soldering switches to it, like for when you want customized switches, ergo clear, etc..

the QFR pcb is a nightmare because if you're not FAST, the contacts WILL PEEL...
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: keymaster on Wed, 20 February 2013, 12:41:55
If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will...............  :D :D

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

Yes but the PCB is made more durable in a filco.. it's much less prone to "peeling" from heat if you're soldering switches to it, like for when you want customized switches, ergo clear, etc..

the QFR pcb is a nightmare because if you're not FAST, the contacts WILL PEEL...

Well, then, it's a good thing the guy is just looking to buy his first mechanical keyboard.
Title: Re: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: luckynet on Wed, 20 February 2013, 12:48:44
If you're getting full size... go with filco.. it has a better pcb that's more durable to work with when "the time comes"

and it will...............  :D :D

I may be mistaken, but doesn't WASD source their keyboard parts from the exact same manufacturer as Filco?

Yes but the PCB is made more durable in a filco.. it's much less prone to "peeling" from heat if you're soldering switches to it, like for when you want customized switches, ergo clear, etc..

the QFR pcb is a nightmare because if you're not FAST, the contacts WILL PEEL...

Mine peeled and I ended up using copper wire to connect it back... Sobs btw I also had the same plan get a filco so I don't get any other, well I ended up buying them so called lesser brands lols T.T
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: khaangaaroo on Wed, 20 February 2013, 13:22:48
Hey OP, dunno if you're still looking for a Filco with browns, but there's one in classifieds right now:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40342.0
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: zoolzoo on Wed, 20 February 2013, 21:05:16
I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER


Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.

I have a Filco MJ2 w/ browns. I just bought a CM QFR with blues and added a set of pbt caps....its not really a lesser board especially now that they come unbranded. Believe me the QFR is a really high quality board.
Title: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: keymaster on Fri, 22 February 2013, 12:29:42
I got browns for my first ones and at first I wasn't thrilled. After a couple weeks, I'm loving them and getting used the to subtle touch and sound. Red would have probably been my next choice.

The browns will really grow on you if you let it.

I had a similar experience with browns. They're not too exciting but after a few days, I became aware of how nice soft and smooth they were compared to a rubber dome. It's my favorite switch, with blues being my second favorite. I'm sure if I tried clears, they would be up against browns as my favorite.
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: volatilecoffee on Fri, 22 February 2013, 12:48:20
-redacted
Title: Re: Buying My First Mechanical Keyboard
Post by: aviphysics on Fri, 22 February 2013, 14:43:46
I wouldn't suggest you to get one that is too expensive.. People in this forum tend to start with A keyboard.. and end up with a dozen of them..

start small, then grow.. BIGGER


Why so? I just bought a Filco and I know I will not buy CM, Leopold or any other "lesser" board. The only way up now is topre and custom boards.
However if I bought a CM, I would probably end up buying Filco anyway.

I don't see what would make a Quickfire Rapid a lesser board. Now that they took most of the CM branding off, the main difference between them and the Filco TKL is the soldering isn't as clean. That isn't something you are going to notice while typing or perhaps ever. The case, plate and switches are practically identical. That just leaves the keycaps and whether the Filco caps are better or not is debatable and a set of custom caps is way less than $100 anyway.